Over the past decade, The fin. has carved out a unique space in the global indie music scene, blending dreamy melodies with introspective lyricism. Led by Yuto Uchino, whose ethereal vocals and meticulous production define the band’s sound, The fin. continues to evolve while staying true to its deeply personal artistic vision. As they celebrate the 10th anniversary of, Days With Uncertainty, and gear up for exciting new releases, we sit down with Yuto to discuss the inspirations behind their latest track ‘Echoes’ the impact of international touring, and the ever-changing journey of music and self-discovery.
“Echoes” is described as a journey into the quiet heart of your hometown. Can you share more about the specific memories or moments that inspired this song?
I picked up my first guitar at 14, and nearly 20 years have passed since then. I’ve been working as a musician for almost a decade, and I sometimes find myself thinking I know a lot—yet there’s always more to learn. Lately, I’ve felt the need to stay simple at heart. While writing “Echoes,” I imagined letting go of all the armour I’ve collected over the years and returning to my most honest self. That process naturally led me back to memories of my hometown.
Your music has a distinctive dreamy and mellow quality. How does “Echoes” continue or evolve this aesthetic, and were there any new sonic elements you experimented with for this track?
The atmosphere of my hometown guided me a lot in shaping “Echoes.” I’ve always been drawn to the spacious, airy feel you can experience in nature, and I try to capture that in my music. Sometimes, music can feel overcrowded—I prefer to let it breathe and resonate. That’s something I paid close attention to when producing this track.
You’ve mentioned that “Echoes” explores questions of identity and nostalgia. How do you approach writing lyrics that are so deeply personal yet resonate universally with your listeners?
I believe that what I feel and experience can be shared by anyone. Technology has made the world feel more connected, and emotions and thoughts are surprisingly universal. I don’t go out of my way to make my lyrics relatable; I just express what’s within me. I hope that anyone who’s open to listening can find something meaningful in it.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of your debut album, Days With Uncertainty. How do you feel your music and creative process have evolved since that first release?
In some ways, I’ve evolved a lot, but at the same time, I feel I’ve stayed the same. I’ve learned a great deal about production, mixing, and songwriting, but the technical side isn’t what matters most. Music is a language I use to convey what I need to say. That’s been my core belief from the beginning.
Your recent tours, especially the extensive China tour, have brought your music to a wide international audience. How do these global experiences influence your songwriting and production?
They’ve changed my life entirely. I grew up in a town far from Tokyo, and my world used to be very small. I never imagined being able to travel like I do now. Experiencing different places opened my mind far beyond music. When I was younger, I thought music was the most important thing in the world, but now I see that view was too narrow. I’m just grateful to share joy with people through my songs.
“Echoes” features ambient sounds, shimmering synths, and a danceable groove. How do you strike a balance between creating an atmospheric soundscape and maintaining a rhythm that feels grounded and engaging?
I draw a lot of inspiration from physical experiences. Standing on top of a mountain, you feel the wind in a way that gives you a sense of distance; walking in a forest, you notice the humidity through its scent. I like transforming these sensory impressions into music, using sounds to evoke those same feelings.
With the upcoming physical releases and new tracks slated for 2025, how do these projects reflect where you are as artists today? Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from the new album?
This album is very important to me. The writing process is simpler and more genuine, which helps me show who I really am. I feel like I’m finally ready to reveal my true self in my music.
Having collaborated with renowned producers like Bradley Spence and Jake Miller in the past, how does working entirely within your own creative process, as you’ve done with recent releases, compare?
Collaboration is always fun and inspiring, and I’ve learned a great deal from producers about how to approach a project. But for now, I’m more comfortable working alone. It’s the best way to make the personal music I want to create at this moment. I’m still open to collaborations in the future for new perspectives.
The 7-inch vinyl releases for Record Store Day 2025 are a nostalgic nod to physical media. What significance do these physical formats hold for you as a band in the digital age?
Releasing music digitally is incredibly convenient, and I love how easily it reaches people. But I also cherish the tangible aspect of vinyl and cassettes—you can associate physical music with specific memories and emotions. I want to keep that alive because it adds another dimension to the experience of music.
Looking back on your decade-long journey as The fin., what has been the most transformative moment for you as artists, and how do you see your music evolving in the years to come?
I spent my twenties as a musician, and now, moving into my thirties, I notice I view the world differently. I can write any kind of music as long as I keep growing and embracing change. In the past decade, I’ve met countless people and experienced life in so many places, which gave me a broader perspective. I’ve never grown tired of music—if anything, it only gets more fascinating as I get older. There’s still so much to explore, and I’m excited about all the possibilities ahead.
